Drug policy: latest developments and new challenges

This track is co-produced by the International Society for the Study of Drug Policy (ISSDP).

This track focuses on assessing the latest developments and challenges in drug policies across the globe, and their implications for policy and practice.

• Latest developments in drug markets including the rise of opioid use, amphetamine-type stimulants, concurrent use of multiple substances, and regional developments in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas.
• New frontiers for drug policy including psychedelics, early-warning systems, decriminalisation of personal possession of all drugs, cannabis legalisation and regulation, and novel treatment approaches.
• Current challenges in global, regional, and national drug policy particularly reducing unmet demand for drug treatment, reducing stigma and discrimination for people who use drugs, decolonising drug policy and avenues to build government preparedness.
• Advances in criminal legal strategies intended to reduce harms related to drug trafficking, drug markets, and substance use (e.g., diversion or deflection programs, new technologies).
• Optimal data systems: for monitoring drug market trends, strengthening early warning and preparedness, and evaluating policy impacts.